07/22/11

Singapore Sun Festival in October 2011

The Singapore Sun Festival is back! Touted as Singapore’s Premier Music and Lifestyle Festival, it is bringing in over 250 international artists and celebrities in more than 90 events in 10 days to celebrate the art of living! Performing artistes include Kiri Te Kanawa, mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade, and the world-renowned Vienna Boys Choir.

And of course, there will be visual arts events, film screenings, literature workshops, Wine & Cuisine stuff, and of course, Wellness events, comprising of yoga workshops.

Visit www.singaporesunfestival.com for more details

Singapore Sun Festival 2011 Gala Opening Concert Featuring Robert Redford, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa & Vienna Boys Choir Saturday 18 Oct • 7:30 p.m.

For the first time ever – Academy Award-winning director and actor Robert Redford, the legendary grand dame of opera, Kiri Te Kanawa, and the world-renowned Vienna Boys Choir – will share one stage to present an unforgettable evening of music, story-telling and popular opera classics.

The evening opens with the narration of the story of Peter and the Wolf by Robert Redford, accompanied by the Academies Festival Orchestra comprising players from two of the world’s most established conservatories, America’s Peabody Institute and London’s Guildhall School of Music & Drama, as well as Singapore’s acclaimed Yong Siew Toh Conservatory under the baton of Mexican conductor, Alondra de la Parra.

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa then takes to the stage to present a selection of beloved arias and songs, together with the Vienna Boys Choir, led by guest conductor, Julian Reynolds.

Programme
Marquez: Danzon No. 2
Prokofiev: Peter and the Wolf,
Narrated by Robert Redford
Korngold: Overture to The Sea Hawk
Korngold: Marietta’s lied (Die tote Stadt)
Strauss: Tritsch-Tratsch Polka
Chabrier: Overture to Gwendoline
Charpentier: Depuis le jour (Louise)
Mascagni: Intermezzo (Cavalleria Rusticana)
Mascagni: Easter Hymn (Cavalleria Rusticana)
Puccini: Si, mi chiamano Mimi (La Bohème)
Bernstein: Overture to Candide
Wirth: We Dream Together
Gershwin: By Strauss
Bernstein: Somewhere (West Side Story)

Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Drive Singapore 038981
Prices: S$ 248 / 198 / 148 / 108 / 68
Bookings/Enquiries: Call: (65) 6348 5555
Booking Website: www.sistic.com.sg

Read More …

White Sandy Beaches of Malaysia

Just the sight of a long, soft, sandy beach fringed by clear azure water and lit up brilliantly by the tropical sun is enough to put many people’s minds at ease with a heavy sense of peace. Malaysia beaches act as such catalysts catapulting thoughts of home and work far into the distance.

Things to do appeal to many kinds of people who enjoy doing absolutely nothing to enjoying many water sports and beach activities.

A great place for relaxing is the Mine Malaysia Palace Beach Spa. Though located in the bustling capital center of Kuala Lumpur you will feel as though you’re a million miles from everything during your Malaysia holiday.

The Mine Malaysia Palace and Beach Resort is one of the five-star Kuala Lumpur hotels replete with stunning Asian architecture, captivating artifacts, lavish beams and intricately carved panels with Malaysian designs. Sublimely equipped rooms at the Mine Malaysia Palace Beach Spa have charming chalets that include air conditioning, TV, mini bar, safe deposit, a private bath with tub and shower, wireless internet and voice mail.

Sabah Malaysia beaches are plentiful and gorgeous. Many can be reached from Kota Kinabalu. Crystal clear water, unspoilt landscapes and colorful underwater environments can all be found at Sabah Malaysia beaches. An abundance of marine species make Malaysia diving locations in Sabah some of the best in the country.

Tanjung Aru beach is one of the most popular in Sabah and is one of the most easily accessed if you’re not staying at a beachfront resort. The many islands in Malaysia are home to some of the most secluded and stunning Sabah Malaysia beaches.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park has some excellent beaches that can be reached by speedboat in 20 minutes. Diverse marine life, vibrant reefs and long stretches of beach make this a worthwhile journey.

Tiara Beach resort is another of the fantastic Malaysia beach resorts located in Port Dickenson. It’s a fun water theme park and resort complex and hours drive from Kuala Lumpur. Units at the Tiara Beach Resort include color TV, safety deposit boxes, in-house movies, air conditioning, telephone mini bar and TV.

This Malaysia beach resorts facilities are astounding and include the 5-acre Water Paradise Park, sand castle area, cultural stage, beach volleyball, saunas and indoor games. The Sports Café and Bar are great for viewing live sports events while staying at the Tiara Beach Resort on your Malaysia vacation.

Emerald Bay is also on the list of some of the best Malaysia beaches in the country. Emerald Bay is on a small island situated on the west coast. The water is much like the bay’s name, a greenish emerald color and is bordered by sandy, clean beaches with interesting plants and wildlife. You can visit all-year round but the best time to go is between January and May.

When looking for great beaches while visiting Sarawak you won’t be disappointed. Both Golden Beach and Turtle Beach are two of the best beaches in Sarawak and both close to each other. They are located in Similajau National Park and boast 30 kilometers of sandy golden beaches with tons of wildlife and tropical surroundings.

Here you can spot Macaques, crocodiles, turtles, gibbons and more. There are also hostels, a camp site and a café for those who don’t want to leave! The optimum time to visit these beaches is between April and September.

There are literally thousands of Malaysia beaches all around the country. Pantai Cenang, Datai Beach and Pantai Tengah are all favorite beaches on Langkawi which is said to be one of the most private retreats in Malaysia. The best time to go is between November and May when the humidity decreases, the skies are clear and rainfall is very minimal.

For budget travelers the Perenthian Islands is a must when looking for beautiful Malaysia beaches. World-class diving, great budget accommodation and some of the world’s most stunning beaches can be found here.

For the best of everything from Malaysia beaches head there in between April and May and be sure to avoid traveling in November through January as the beaches see a lot more rain the ocean surf is rough.

High season is in June through August so book well in advance especially if you’re looking at staying in a popular resort. All water sport equipment, snorkeling and diving gear can all be rented leaving the only thing left to do is enjoy your peaceful environment.

Read More …

AirAsia to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Manado, Indonesia

AirAsia is to launch flights between Kuala Lumpur and Manado, a province in Indonesia, with three direct weekly flights from 12th September 2011.

Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi is the main gateway to the Indonesian archipelago comprising of Minahasa, Bolaang, Mongondow and the island of Dangihe Talaud.

Scuba diving and snorkeling on the nearby island of Bunaken are the most popular attractions. Other places of interest are nearby Lake Tondano, Lokon Volcano, Klabat Volcano and Mahawu Volcano.

To celebrate this new route, AirAsia is offering a promotional fare of RM49 (IDR150,000) for booking between 22-27 July 2011 for travel between 12 September 2011 and 30 April 2011.

Read More …